Original Research Article
Year: 2021 | Month: April-June | Volume: 6 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 289-298
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20210452
Immediate Effect of Strain Counterstrain Technique versus Muscle Energy Technique on Upper Trapezius Tenderness in Non-Specific Neck Pain
Nawal M Mulla1, Parag Kulkarni2, Ajay Kumar3
1M.P.T, DPO’s NETT College of Physiotherapy, Thane, Maharashtra, India.
2M.P.Th, Assistant Professor, DPO’s NETT College of Physiotherapy, Thane.
3Principal, DPO’s NETT College of Physiotherapy, Thane.
Corresponding Author: Nawal M Mulla
ABSTRACT
Background: The most common form of neck pain is non-specific which is deep, dull aching & poorly localized. Non-specific pain is associated with upper trapezius tenderness. For people who work at desks and computers, or who spend many hours driving, have poor ergonomics which causes the upper trapezius to become sore and painful. The soreness can lead to the development of tender points which can be the major reason for developing neck pain and muscle spasm. Physiotherapy techniques like muscle energy technique and Strain counterstrain has been proposed to treat tenderness in trapezius.
Objective: To compare the immediate effect of Strain Counterstrain Technique & Muscle Energy Technique on pain, pain pressure sensitivity & mobility on non-specific neck pain with upper trapezius tenderness using Visual analogue scale, Pressure Algometer & Universal Goniometer respectively.
Method: 60 subjects were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria& were randomly assigned to Group A (n=30) & Group B (n=30); Strain Counterstrain and Muscle Energy Technique respectively. Visual Analogue Scale, Pain Pressure Sensitivity & Cervical Rotation & Lateral Flexion Motion bilaterally was noted before & after application of both techniques and the data was statistically analysed.
Result: Both groups showed statistical significance (p< 0.05) differences in all outcome measures between pre test and post test values of Group A and Group B but there is no statistical significant (p> 0.05) difference in the outcome measures between groups.
Conclusion: The study concludes that both techniques are equally effective in treating pain, increasing lateral flexion and rotation range of motion, and improving pain pressure sensitivity.
Keywords: Strain Counterstrain, muscle energy technique, upper trapezius tenderness,visual analog scale, non-specific neck pain,pain pressures sensitivity.